How to Get Rid of Pocket Gophers in Idaho Yards
Pocket gophers are notorious for damaging lawns, gardens, and landscaping throughout Idaho. These burrowing rodents stay active throughout the year and can quickly turn healthy turf into a series of mounds and tunnels. Because they feed on roots and underground plant material, pocket gophers can harm everything from lawn grasses to young trees if the problem is not addressed.
Understanding their behavior is the first step toward gaining back control of your yard.
What Pocket Gophers Look Like
Pocket gophers are medium sized rodents, typically 6 to 8 inches in length with short tails, powerful front legs, and large claws used for digging. Their fur often matches the color of the soil where they live, helping them blend into their environment. They also have distinctive fur lined cheek pouches that allow them to carry food underground.
Even though their eyesight is poor, gophers have an excellent sense of smell and are highly sensitive to ground vibrations. This helps them navigate their tunnel systems and detect predators.
Damage Caused by Pocket Gophers
Gophers create damage both above and below the soil surface. Common signs include:
Horseshoe Shaped Mounds
Gophers push soil to the surface as they create tunnels. Their mounds are typically crescent shaped and fan outward from a plugged entrance hole.
Plant and Root Damage
Because gophers feed on roots, bulbs, and underground stems, affected plants may wilt, collapse, or die. This includes:
- Lawn grasses
- Garden vegetables
- Flower bulbs
- Trees and shrubs, especially when roots are girdled
Irrigation and Landscape Interference
Burrowing activity can disrupt irrigation lines, cause uneven ground, and create hazards for people and pets walking in the yard.
While gophers can occasionally defend themselves if threatened, they typically avoid confrontation and retreat into their tunnels. The primary concern is property damage, not direct aggression.
Safe and Effective Pocket Gopher Control Methods
Pocket gophers are difficult to control with home remedies, and many commonly suggested DIY methods are ineffective or unsafe. Instead, use proven, responsible techniques that provide long term results.
1. Trapping
Trapping is one of the most effective control options when done correctly. Professional grade traps placed inside active tunnels can remove gophers quickly and safely.
2. Baiting by Licensed Professionals
Certain rodent baits are effective against gophers when placed properly inside the burrow system. These products must be applied according to regulation to avoid risks to pets, wildlife, and the environment. Professional application ensures correct placement and maximum safety.
3. Exclusion for High Value Areas
For garden beds or newly planted trees, underground barriers such as hardware cloth or gopher baskets can protect roots from feeding damage. This is especially useful for young ornamental trees and vegetable gardens.
4. Habitat Modification
Reducing plant materials that attract gophers can help discourage new activity. This includes:
- Removing dense weed growth
- Keeping lawn edges trimmed
- Monitoring areas near irrigation lines
While habitat adjustments alone will not eliminate gophers, they can reduce reinvasion after control efforts are completed.
Pocket Gopher Prevention
Because pocket gophers remain active year round, prevention is an ongoing process. Regular monitoring of your yard will help detect new mounds early, before a single gopher expands into a large tunnel system.
The most reliable approach is a professional inspection. A trained technician can determine:
- Whether the mounds belong to gophers or another burrowing animal
- The size and age of the tunnel system
- The best combination of trapping, baiting, and exclusion for your property
Professional Gopher Control in Idaho
Pocket gophers will not leave on their own. Effective control requires identifying active tunnels, using safe treatment methods, and preventing future reinfestation.
If you are seeing fresh mounds or plant damage, contact the experienced professionals at Pestcom Pest Management. We provide targeted solutions that help protect your property and restore your landscape.